TRACTION BATTERY ASSEMBLY WITH SPRING ELEMENT

Abstract

Traction battery thermoplate assembly, comprising: a structure (162) which has edge regions (172) that define a cavity and is configured to support an array of battery cells (88, 150, 160); a thermal plate (90, 154, 174) which is located inside the cavity and adjacent to the battery cell row (88, 150, 160); a spring assembly (178) which is installed within the cavity between the structure (162) and the thermal plate (90, 154, 174) and is configured such that a force is exerted on the thermal plate (90, 154, 174) so ​​that the thermal plate (90, 154, 174) contacts the battery cell array (88, 150, 160) in order to transfer heat between the battery cell array (88, 150, 160) and the thermal plate (90, 154, 174); and wherein the spring assembly (178) has a body (220, 230) which defines several tabs (222, 232) configured to extend outwards from a plane defined by the body (220, 230) or to extend in a wave-like manner above and below a plane defined by the body (230).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems for high-voltage batteries used in vehicles. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles such as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs), or full hybrid electric vehicles (FHEVs) contain a traction battery, such as a high-voltage (HV) battery, which serves as the power source for the vehicle. The HV battery may include components and systems that support the control of the vehicle's power and functions. The HV battery may have one or more rows of battery cells that are electrically connected between battery cell terminals and connecting leads to busbars. The HV battery and its surrounding environment may include a thermal management system that assists in controlling the temperature of HV battery components, systems, and individual battery cells.

[0003] DE 10 2010 015 743 A1 discloses a temperature control system for a traction battery in which phase-change material in the form of layers or reservoirs is arranged on the outer surfaces of battery modules for heat absorption and dissipation. DE 10 2009 058 070 A1 discloses a battery module arrangement with a cooling plate that is pressed against a battery module from a housing base by means of spring elements, while the module is supported separately by support sections. SUMMARY

[0004] A traction battery thermal plate assembly comprises a structure having edge regions defining a cavity and configured to support a battery cell array, a thermal plate located within the cavity and adjacent to the battery cell array, and a spring assembly located within the cavity between the structure and the thermal plate. The spring assembly is configured to exert a force on the thermal plate, causing the thermal plate to contact the battery cell array and transfer heat between the battery cell array and the thermal plate. The thermal plate, located within the cavity, may be positioned below the battery cell array. According to the invention, the spring assembly comprises a body defining multiple tabs configured to extend outward from a plane defined by the body.According to the invention, the spring assembly can also comprise a corrugated sheet of material defining several tabs that extend in a wave-like manner above and below a plane defined by the body. The spring assembly can have a lower and an upper section configured to support one or more intermediate compression springs. The spring assembly can be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate that is greater than the weight of the thermal plate. The structure can further define a pair of retaining sections extending below a section of a lower surface of the battery cell array, such that the retaining sections support a load of the battery cell array.

[0005] A vehicle comprises a battery array defining at least one surface, a structure located near the battery array such that the battery array and the structure define a cavity adjacent to the battery array, a thermal plate configured for heat exchange with the battery array extending over the cavity and along the surface, and a spring component configured to exert an upward force on the thermal plate such that the thermal plate is in contact with at least one surface. The at least one surface may be a bottom surface of the battery array, and the structure may be a support structure including a pair of retaining sections extending below a section of the bottom surface such that the retaining sections support a load of the battery array.The thermal plate, which extends over the cavity, may be located below the battery cell array. The spring component may have a body defining multiple tabs extending outward from a plane defined by the body and configured to exert a force equal to or greater than the weight of the thermal plate. The spring component may have a corrugated sheet of material defining multiple tabs extending upward and downward in a wave-like manner, and the tabs may be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate. The spring component may have a lower and an upper section configured to support multiple compression springs between them, and the compression springs may be configured to exert a force equal to or greater than the weight of the thermal plate.The spring component can be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate that is greater than the force generated by the weight of the thermal plate itself. Alternatively, the spring component can be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate that is equal to the force generated by the weight of the thermal plate and the weight of the battery cell array.

[0006] A traction battery assembly comprises a battery cell array that defines a base area, as well as a support structure, a thermal plate, and a spring component. The support structure has one or more retaining sections configured to receive a load generated by the battery cell array and edge regions arranged with the battery cell array such that the battery cell array and the support structure define a cavity relative to each other. The thermal plate is located within the cavity and defines channels within it configured to allow thermal fluid to pass through. The spring component is located within the cavity below the thermal plate and is configured to exert a force on the thermal plate so that the thermal plate contacts the base area to promote heat transfer.The spring component can have a body defining multiple tabs extending upward from a plane defined by the body and configured to exert a force equal to or greater than the weight of the thermal plate. The spring component can have a body defining tabs extending upward and downward in a wave-like manner, and the tabs can be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate. The spring component can have a lower and an upper section configured to support multiple compression springs between them, and the compression springs can be configured to exert a force equal to or greater than the weight of the thermal plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a battery electric vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of a thermal management system for the vehicle's traction battery in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a front view, as a cross-section, of a section of a traction battery assembly including a battery cell row, a row support structure, a thermal plate and a base support structure. Fig. Figure 4A is a front view, in cross-section, of a section of a traction battery assembly including a battery cell array, a thermal plate, a spring component and a battery cell array support structure. Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the battery cell array of Fig. 4A. Fig. 5A is a front view, in cross-section, of a battery cell array, a thermal plate, a spring component and a support structure of the battery cell array. Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the spring component of Fig. 5A. Fig. 6A is a front view, in cross-section, of a battery cell array, a thermal plate, another spring component and a support structure for the battery cell array. Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the spring component of Fig. 6A. Fig. 7A is a front view, in cross-section, of a battery cell array, a thermal plate, another spring component and a support structure for the battery cell array. Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the spring component of Fig. 7A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that different and alternative forms may be used in other embodiments. The illustrations are not necessarily to scale; some functions or features may be emphasized or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, specific structural and practical details disclosed herein are not to be understood as limiting, but merely provide a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to apply the present invention in different ways.As is apparent to the person skilled in the art, various features shown and described herein, with reference to one of the figures, can be combined with features shown in one or more other figures to produce embodiments not explicitly shown or described. The combinations of features shown provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, different combinations and modifications of the features, in accordance with the technical teaching of this disclosure, may be desired for particular applications or embodiments.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a typical plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). A typical plug-in hybrid electric vehicle 12 may have one or more electric machines 14 mechanically connected to a hybrid transmission 16. The electric machines 14 may operate as motors or generators. Additionally, the hybrid transmission 16 is mechanically connected to a motor 18. The hybrid transmission 16 is also mechanically connected to a drive shaft 20, which is mechanically connected to the wheels 22. The electric machines 14 provide propulsion and deceleration power when the motor 18 is switched on or off. The electric machines 14 also function as generators and can provide fuel savings by recovering energy that would normally be lost as heat in the friction braking system.The electric machines 14 can also lead to reduced pollutant emissions, as the hybrid electric vehicle 12 can be operated in electric mode or under certain conditions in hybrid mode to reduce the fuel consumption of the vehicle 12.

[0009] A traction battery or battery pack 24 stores and supplies energy that can be used by the electric machines 14. The traction battery 24 typically provides a high-voltage DC output voltage from one or more battery cell arrays, sometimes referred to as battery cell blocks, within the traction battery 24. The battery cell arrays can contain one or more battery cells. The traction battery 24 is electrically connected to one or more power electronics modules 26 by means of one or more switching devices (not shown). The one or more switching devices isolate the traction battery 24 from other components when open and connect the traction battery 24 to other components when closed.The power electronics module 26 is also electrically connected to the electric machines 14 and provides the capability to transfer electrical energy bidirectionally between the traction battery 24 and the electric machines 14. For example, a typical traction battery 24 can provide a DC voltage, while the electric machines 14 may require a three-phase AC voltage to operate. The power electronics module 26 can convert the DC voltage into the three-phase AC voltage required by the electric machines 14. In generator mode, the power electronics module 26 can convert the three-phase AC voltage from the electric machines 14 so that they function as generators for the DC voltage required by the traction battery 24. This description applies equally to a purely electric vehicle.For a purely electric vehicle, the hybrid transmission 16 can be a transmission connected to an electric machine 14, while the motor 18 may not be present.

[0010] In addition to supplying energy for propulsion, the traction battery 24 can provide energy for other electrical systems of the vehicle. A typical system may include a DC / DC converter module 28, which converts the high-voltage DC output voltage of the traction battery 24 to a low-voltage DC supply compatible with other payloads of the vehicle. Other high-voltage loads, such as compressors and electric heaters, can be connected directly to the high voltage without the use of a DC / DC converter module 28. In a typical vehicle, the low-voltage systems are electrically connected to an auxiliary battery 30 (e.g., a 12V battery).

[0011] An electrical battery control module (BECM) 33 can be located in exchange with the traction battery 24. The BECM 33 can serve as a control unit for the traction battery 24 and also include an electronic monitoring system that controls the temperature and state of charge of each battery cell. The traction battery 24 can have a temperature sensor 31, such as a thermistor or other temperature measuring device. The temperature sensor 31 can be located in exchange with the BECM 33 to provide temperature data relating to the traction battery 24. The temperature sensor 31 can also be attached to the battery cells or in their vicinity within the traction battery 24. It is also provided that more than one temperature sensor 31 can be used to monitor the temperature of the battery cells.

[0012] The vehicle 12 can, for example, be an electric vehicle such as a PHEV, FHEV, MHEV, or BEV, in which the traction battery 24 can be charged by an external energy source 36. The external energy source 36 can be a connection to a mains socket. The external energy source 36 can be electrically connected to an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) 38. The EVSE 38 can have circuits and controls for regulating and controlling the transfer of electrical energy between the power source 36 and the vehicle 12. The external energy source 36 can supply DC (direct current) or AC (alternating current) power to the EVSE 38. The EVSE 38 can have a charging plug 40 for connecting to a charging port 34 of the vehicle 12. The charging port 34 can be any type of port configured to transfer power from the EVSE 38 to the vehicle 12.The charging port 34 can be electrically connected to a charger or an integrated power converter module 32. The power converter module 32 can condition the current supplied by the EVSE 38 to provide the appropriate voltage and current for the traction battery 24. The power converter module 32 can be coupled with the EVSE 38 to coordinate the power supply to the vehicle 12. The EVSE connector 40 can have poles / pins that fit into the corresponding recesses of the charging port 34.

[0013] The various components described can have one or more connected control units to control and monitor their operation. The control units can communicate via a serial bus system (e.g., CAN bus) or via separate wires.

[0014] Battery cells, such as prismatic cells, can contain electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Prismatic cells may have a casing, a positive electrode (cathode), and a negative electrode (anode). An electrolyte allows ions to move between the anode and cathode during discharge and back during charging. Terminals allow current to flow from the cell for use by the vehicle. When positioned in series with multiple battery cells, the terminals of each cell can be aligned with opposite terminals (positive and negative) adjacent to each other, and a busbar can facilitate series connection between the multiple battery cells.The battery cells can also be arranged in parallel, so that identical terminals (positive and positive or negative and negative) are next to each other. For example, two battery cells with positive terminals can be arranged next to each other, and the next two cells with negative terminals can be arranged next to each other. In this example, the busbar with terminals from all four cells is in contact.

[0015] The traction battery 24 can be heated and / or cooled using a thermal management system with coolant, air, or other state-of-the-art methods. An example of a thermal management system using coolant, and now with reference to the Fig. Figure 2 shows that the traction battery 24 can have a battery cell array 88 supported by a thermal plate 90, which is to be heated and / or cooled by a thermal management system. The battery cell array 88 can have multiple battery cells 92 that are adjacent to one another and located adjacent to structural components. The DC / DC converter module 28 and / or the BECM 33 may also require cooling and / or heating under certain operating conditions. A thermal plate 91 can support the DC / DC converter module 28 and BECM 33 and their thermal management. For example, the DC / DC converter module 28 may generate heat during voltage conversion that must be dissipated. Alternatively, thermal plates 90 and 91 can be connected to each other in a fluid connection to share a common fluid inlet and outlet.

[0016] In one example, the battery cell array 88 can be mounted on the thermal plate 90 such that only a surface of each battery cell 92, for example, a bottom surface, is in contact with the thermal plate 90. The thermal plate 90 and the individual battery cells 92 can transfer heat to each other to support the thermal conditioning of the battery cells 92 within the battery cell array 88 during vehicle operation. Uniform thermofluid distribution and high thermal conductivity are two criteria for the thermal plates 90 to achieve effective thermal management of the battery cells 92 within the battery cell array 88 and other surrounding components.Since heat is transferred between the thermoplate 90 and the thermofluid by conduction and convection, the surface area in a thermofluid flow field is important for effective heat exchange, both for heat dissipation and for heating the battery cells 92 at low temperatures. For example, the charging and discharging of the battery cells generates heat that can impair the performance and lifespan of the battery cell array 88 if it is not dissipated. Alternatively, the thermoplate 90 can also conduct heat to the battery cell array 88 when exposed to low temperatures.

[0017] The thermoplate 90 can have one or more channels 93 and / or a cavity for distributing thermofluid within the thermoplate 90. For example, the thermoplate 90 can have an inlet opening 94 and an outlet opening 96 that are connected to the channels 93 to allow the thermofluid to be supplied and circulate. The positions of the inlet opening 94 and outlet opening 96 can vary relative to the battery cell array 88. For example, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the inlet opening 94 and the outlet opening 96 are positioned centrally relative to the battery cell array 88. The inlet opening 94 and the outlet opening 96 can also be positioned on the side of the battery cell array 88. Alternatively, the thermal plate 90 can form a cavity (not shown) in conjunction with the inlet opening 94 and the outlet opening 96 to allow the thermal fluid to be supplied and circulated. The thermal plate 91 can have an inlet opening 95 and an outlet opening 97 to allow thermal fluid to be supplied and discharged. Optionally, a layer of thermal paste (not shown) can be applied to the thermal plate 90 and / or 91, or under the battery cell array 88 and / or the DC / DC converter module 28 and BECM 33.The layer of thermal paste can increase heat exchange between the battery cell array 88 and the thermal plate 90, for example, by filling voids and / or air gaps between the battery cells 92 and the thermal plate 90. The thermal paste can also provide electrical insulation between the battery cell array 88 and the thermal plate 90. A battery holder 98 can support the thermal plate 90, the thermal plate 91, the battery cell array 88, and other components. The battery holder 98 can have one or more recesses to accommodate thermal plates.

[0018] Various battery pack configurations are available to accommodate individual vehicle variables, including packaging constraints and energy requirements. The battery cell array 88 may be located within a cover or housing (not shown) to protect and enclose the battery cell array 88 and other surrounding components, such as the DC / DC converter module 28 and the BECM 33. The battery cell array 88 can be positioned in several different locations, including, for example, under a front seat, under a rear seat, or behind the rear seat of the vehicle. However, it is intended that the battery cell array 88 can be positioned at any suitable location within the vehicle 12.

[0019] Contact between the mating surfaces of a thermal plate and the battery cell surfaces is a factor that can influence heat exchange within a battery thermal management system, particularly regarding the conductivity between the thermal plate and the battery cells. These mating surfaces can be uneven due to surface tolerances, component irregularities, and / or deposits, which can lead to gaps between them. Additionally, deformation of the battery cell array, such as bending and / or twisting, can lead to cell placement tolerances. Heat exchange, in conjunction with battery cell cooling, can be less effective if gaps exist between the mating surfaces of the corresponding thermal plates and the base surfaces of the battery cells.Some thermal management systems can use a thermal interface layer to fill gaps; however, a thermal interface layer cannot compensate for certain contact gaps. It may be desirable to eliminate these contact gaps and / or achieve a flush contact between the surfaces to improve heat transfer within the thermal management system. Additionally, certain thermal management systems incorporate the thermal plate as part of a structure that supports the battery cell array. This integration may require the thermal plate to be designed to accommodate the weight and structural loads of the battery cell array, which can increase costs and production time. The weight and / or structural loads of the battery cell array can also generate dynamic stresses on certain sections of the thermal plate.

[0020] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a section of a traction battery assembly, including a battery cell array 150 housed within a surface structure 152. A thermal plate 154 is positioned beneath the battery cell array 150 and the surface structure 152 such that the thermal plate 154 supports the battery cell array 150 and the surface structure 152. A substructure 156 supports the thermal plate 154, the battery cell array 150, and the surface structure 152. In this example, the thermal plate 154 bears a load from the battery cell array 150 and the surface structure 152, which can also generate dynamic forces on the thermal plate 154. Furthermore, the thermal plate 154 is static and may not be able to adapt to certain contact gaps between the thermal plate 154 and the battery cell array 150.

[0021] Fig. Figure 4A shows another example of a section of a traction battery assembly, including a battery cell array 160 housed within a support structure 162. The battery cell array 160 can define one or more surfaces, such as a floor surface 164, as shown in Figure 4A. Fig. Figure 4B shows that the support structure 162 can have and / or define retaining sections 170 that extend below a section of the base surface 164, such that the retaining sections 170 support a load from the battery cell array 160. The support structure 162 is arranged with the battery cell array 160 such that a cavity is defined between them. In one example, edge regions 172 of the support structure 162 can be arranged with the battery cell array 160 such that the cavity is defined between them. A thermal plate 174 can be located within the cavity and adjacent to the battery cell array 160. The thermal plate 174 can have one or more channels (not shown) configured for the passage of thermal fluid. The thermal plate 174 can be configured for thermal exchange with the battery cell array 160 and can extend across the cavity and along the base surface 164 of the battery cell array 160.A spring component 178 can be located within the cavity between the edge regions 172 of the support structure 162 and the thermal plate 174. The spring component 178 can be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate 174 such that the thermal plate 174 makes contact with the battery cell array 160. This contact can facilitate heat transfer between the battery cell array 160, the thermal plate 174, and the thermal fluid flowing within the thermal plate 174. For example, the spring component 178 can be a spring assembly including a mechanical energy storage device, such as one or more compression springs, flexible tabs, or a corrugated material.

[0022] Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows an example of the spring component 178, which has a base section 194 and an upper section 196 that can be configured to support one or more compression springs 200 between them. The compression springs 200 can be attached to the base section 194 and the upper section 196. The compression springs 200 can be spaced apart within the spring component 178 and / or positioned close together within the spring component 178. A variety of arrangements of the compression springs 200 are provided, which can be adapted, for example, to different space requirements of the traction battery and different load conditions for different types of battery cell arrays. In this example, one or more compression springs 200 can be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate 174 so that the thermal plate 174 is in contact with the battery cell array 160.The compression springs 200 can also be configured such that the force on the thermal plate 174 exerts essentially no force on the battery cell array 160 or does not move the battery cell array 160. This type of configuration may be desirable because, in this example, the support structure 162 is configured to support the battery cell array 160 instead of the thermal plate 174.

[0023] Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows another example according to the invention of a spring component 178, which may have a body 220 defining several tabs 222. The tabs 222 may extend outwards from a plane defined by the body 220. Properties of a material used for the tabs 222 may help to reinforce the tabs 222 so that a force is exerted on the thermal plate 174 and the thermal plate 174 makes contact with the battery cell array 160.For example, the tabs can be made of steel or glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene, which can be pre-stressed to press the thermoplate 174 against the battery cell array 160 with a force that can be greater than the gravitational force on the thermoplate 174, and under certain circumstances many times greater than the gravitational force on the thermoplate 174, in order to counteract any downward acceleration of the thermoplate 174 that may occur during the vibration and spring movements during operation and fatigue testing. The tabs 222 can be spaced apart and mounted transversely across the body 220 and / or mounted close together transversely across the body 220.It is intended that a variety of arrangements of the tabs 222 will be available, which can be adapted, for example, to different space requirements of the traction battery and different load conditions for different types of battery cell arrays. In this example, the tabs 222 can be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate 174 so that the thermal plate 174 is in contact with the battery cell array 160. The force exerted by the tabs 222 can be equal to or greater than the weight of the thermal plate 174. This type of configuration may be desirable because, in this example, the support structure 162 is configured to support the battery cell array 160 instead of the thermal plate 174.

[0024] Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B shows another example according to the invention for the spring component 178, which may have a body 230 defining a corrugated arc of material with a series of individually projecting tabs 232. The tabs 232 may extend upwards and / or downwards. The tabs 232 may form a series of leaf spring shapes in a corrugated manner as shown in Figure 7B. Fig.7B. The spring component 178 can consist of a single, continuous component, such as a thermoplate made of stamped steel or molded plastic springs, or it can consist of several components. A variety of arrangements of the tabs 232 are provided, which can be adapted, for example, to different space requirements of the traction battery and different load conditions for different types of battery cell arrays. In this example, the tabs 232 can be configured to exert a force on the thermoplate 174, so that the thermoplate 174 makes contact with the battery cell array 160. The force exerted by the tabs 232 can be equal to or greater than the weight of the thermoplate 174. In another example, the support structure 162 can be shaped with a convex surface under the battery cell array 160, which can tend to press the thermoplate 174 into the battery cell array 160.As such, the spring component 178 can be directly integrated into the support structure 162.

[0025] As described above, the spring component 178 can have a variety of embodiments and be located adjacent to the thermal plate 174 and within a cavity defined by the support structure 162 and the battery cell array 160. The spring component 178 can be configured to exert a force on the thermal plate 174 such that the thermal plate 174 makes contact with the bottom surface 164 of the battery cell array 160 and can transfer heat between them. The force exerted by the spring component 178 can be configured to correspond to a force value according to a desired embodiment with different types of traction battery arrangements and different space requirements for the traction battery arrangement.

[0026] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments is not intended to represent all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are descriptive rather than limiting, and it is assumed that various modifications can be made without altering the meaning, scope, and application of the subject matter described herein. As described above, the features of different embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that are not explicitly described or illustrated. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous with respect to one or more desired properties compared to other embodiments.It is apparent to the person skilled in the art that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised in order to achieve desired overall system properties, which depend on the specific application and design. These properties may include, but are not limited to, cost, power, service life, life-cycle costs, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, usability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, embodiments described as less advantageous than other embodiments or designs according to the prior art with respect to one or more properties do not deviate from the purpose, scope, and application of the subject matter described herein and may be advantageous for particular applications.

[0027] It is further described as follows: A. Traction battery thermoplate assembly, comprising: a structure that has edge regions defining a cavity and is configured to support an array of battery cells; a thermal plate that is installed inside the cavity and adjacent to the row; and a spring assembly that is installed within the cavity between the structure and the plate and is configured to exert a force on the plate so that the plate touches the row to transfer heat between the row and the plate. B. Arrangement according to A, wherein the thermal plate arranged within the cavity is located below the row. C. Arrangement according to A, wherein the spring assembly has a body defining multiple tabs configured to extend outwards from a plane defined by the body. D. Arrangement according to A, wherein the spring assembly comprises a body with corrugated sheet metal made of material defining several tabs extending in a wave-like manner above and below a plane defined by the body. E. Arrangement according to A, wherein the spring assembly has a lower and an upper section configured to support one or more intermediate compression springs. F. Arrangement according to A, wherein the spring assembly is further configured such that it exerts a force on the thermoplate which is greater than the weight of the thermoplate. G. Arrangement according to A, wherein the structure further defines a pair of retaining sections extending below a section of a lower surface of the battery cell array, such that the retaining sections bear a load of the battery cell array. H. Vehicle, including: a battery array that defines at least one area; a structure located close to the row, such that the row and the structure define a cavity adjacent to the row; a thermal plate configured for heat exchange with the series, extending across the cavity and along the surface; and a spring component configured such that an upward force is exerted on the thermoplate so that the thermoplate is in contact with at least one surface. I. Vehicle according to H, wherein the at least one surface is a floor surface of the row and the structure is a support structure, including a pair of holding sections extending below a section of the floor surface, such that the holding sections bear a load of the row. J. Vehicle according to I, wherein the thermal plate installed inside the cavity is located below the row. K. Vehicle according to H, wherein the spring component has a body defining multiple tabs extending outwards from a plane defined by the body and configured to exert a force equal to or greater than the weight of the thermoplate. L. Vehicle according to H, wherein the spring component has a corrugated sheet of material defining several tabs extending upwards and downwards in a wave-like manner and the tabs being configured to exert a force on the thermoplate. M. Vehicle according to H, wherein the spring component has a lower and an upper section configured to support several intermediate compression springs and wherein the compression springs are configured to exert a force equal to or greater than the weight of the thermo plate. N. Vehicle to H, wherein the spring component is configured such that a force is exerted on the thermoplate which is greater than a force generated by a weight of the thermoplate and wherein the exerted force does not move the series. O. Vehicle according to H, wherein the spring component is configured such that a force is exerted on the thermoplate which is equal to a force generated by a weight of the thermoplate and a weight of the series. P. Traction battery arrangement, comprising: a battery cell array that defines a floor area; a support structure having one or more holding sections configured to receive a load generated by the array and edge areas arranged with the array such that the array and the support structure define a cavity between each other; a thermal plate located within the cavity, defining channels configured to allow thermal fluid to flow through it; and a spring component located within the cavity below the thermal plate and configured to exert a force on the thermal plate so that the thermal plate touches the floor surface to promote heat transfer. Q. Arrangement according to P, wherein the spring component has a body defining multiple tabs extending upwards from a plane defined by the body and configured to exert a force equal to or greater than the weight of the thermoplate. R. Arrangement according to P, wherein the spring component has a body defining tabs extending upwards and downwards in a wave-like manner and wherein the tabs are configured to exert a force on the thermoplate. S. Arrangement according to P, wherein the spring component has a lower and an upper section configured to support several intermediate compression springs, and wherein the compression springs are configured to exert a force equal to or greater than the weight of the thermoplate.

Claims

[1] Traction battery thermoplate assembly comprising: a structure (162) which has edge regions (172) that define a cavity and is configured to support an array of battery cells (88, 150, 160); a thermal plate (90, 154, 174) which is located inside the cavity and adjacent to the battery cell row (88, 150, 160); a spring assembly (178) which is installed within the cavity between the structure (162) and the thermal plate (90, 154, 174) and is configured such that a force is exerted on the thermal plate (90, 154, 174) so ​​that the thermal plate (90, 154, 174) contacts the battery cell array (88, 150, 160) in order to transfer heat between the battery cell array (88, 150, 160) and the thermal plate (90, 154, 174); and wherein the spring assembly (178) has a body (220, 230) which defines several tabs (222, 232) configured to extend outwards from a plane defined by the body (220, 230) or to extend in a wave-like manner above and below a plane defined by the body (230). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the thermal plate (90, 154, 174) arranged within the cavity is located below the battery cell row (88, 150, 160). [3] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring assembly (178) has a lower section (194) and an upper section (196) configured to support one or more intermediate compression springs (200). [4] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring assembly (178) is further configured such that it exerts a force on the thermoplate (90, 154, 174) which is greater than the weight of the thermoplate (90, 154, 174). [5] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the structure (162) further defines a pair of retaining sections (170) extending below a section of a lower surface (164) of the battery cell array (88, 150, 160), such that the retaining sections (170) can support a load of the battery cell array (88, 150, 160).

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